EU funds is the collective term for the European Union's financial instruments through which the EU supports the economic, social and territorial cohesion of member states. These include in particular the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), the Cohesion Fund and the Just Transition Fund. Slovakia draws EU funds in the 2021–2027 programming period mainly through the Slovakia Programme, which replaced several operational programmes from the past. Funds are allocated through calls for proposals for a non-repayable financial contribution, published by managing authorities and intermediate bodies. EU funds finance projects in the fields of innovation, digitalisation, energy efficiency, transport, education and employment. Successful drawdown requires a well-prepared project, compliance with the evaluation criteria and correct public procurement.
See also: Slovakia Programme 2021–2027, Non-repayable financial contribution (NFP).
